Smart Fortwo (2014): Daimler goes it alone

Smart Fortwo (2014): Daimler goes it alone
/Daimler is developing the new Smart Fortwo alone after Renault ejected from so-called Project Edison early in the car's gestation.

Having spent a small fortune on new electric car projects like Twizy and Zoe (not to mention Fluence ZE and Kangoo ZE), the French pulled out of the Fortwo programme to save money and manpower - concentrating instead on the joint project to co-develop a larger four-seat Smart and Renault.

As a result, the Germans are creating the Fortwo alone - which ain't easy since the new baby Smart is overweight and over budget. Here's CAR's scoop dossier on the new 2014 Fortwo.

The technical details of 2014's new Smart Fortwo

In the course of the model changeover due in early 2014, the microcar's CO2 footprint actually increases from 86 to 99g/km. How come? Because the diesel variant bites the dust. It will be replaced by a normally aspirated 65bhp 0.9-litre three-cylinder petrol unit which is of course less economical.

Also on the way out is the Smart's jumping sequential transmission. Instead, you get a manual six-speeder. Those who prefer to give the left hoof a rest must spend about €2000 on the new seven-speed twin-clutch gearbox. The other two available engines are turbocharged threes rated at 85 and 105bhp.

Smart Fortwo (2014): the style

The new Fortwo is not exactly an aestethic improvement over the current car. Although it retains the contrasting Tridion safety cell and the optional two-tone paint, the design looks frumpy and contrived according to those who've seen the finished styling bucks.

While the overall length increases by only 30mm to 2730mm, the width goes up from 1750 to 1870mm. This move may improve the directional stability, but it is counter-productive in tight urban driving and parking conditions. Perhaps copying the proportions of the unsuccessful Toyota iQ was not such a good idea after all.

Inside the new Smart Fortwo

Like the exterior, the funky and functional cabin has also been redesigned from scratch. Worth a closer look are the eight-button steering-wheel, the air-con panel operated by practical slide controls, and the removable in-dash tablet which mixes mini iPad, smartphone and sat-nav elements. Still there and almost unchanged are the four round air vents and the trademark rev-counter at the foot of the driver-side A-post.

Smart Fortwo Cabrio and electric versions on the way too

Only three months after the coupé, Smart will launch the Fortwo Cabriolet and the e-smart powered by a 88bhp Bosch motor fed by a battery stack supplied by Accumotive.